Southwest Hikes Minors Fee, Alaska Tweaks Bag Fees

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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Alaska just announced a top-to-bottom reorganization of its baggage fees. Bags one through three will now cost $20 each, and bags four through 10 will cost $50.

The change represents a $5 hike for the first bag, no change for the second bag, and $30 reduction for the third bag.

Bags four through 10 used to cost $100, so the new fee is a 50 percent cut on the old one.

Elsewhere, Southwest has doubled its unaccompanied minor fee to $50. Alaska has actually lowered its unaccompanied minor fee to $25 for nonstop flights and $50 for connecting flights. Previously, the airline charged a flat $75 fee.

As always, you can keep track of all the airlines’ charges with our Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees.

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